Shaktar Donetsk vs FC Barcelona Preview

FC Barcelona would be hoping to extend their four match victory run against Shaktar Donetsk at RSC Olympisykiy. With two poor last seasons and a poor start to this season; nobody would have guessed that Barca would be able to wound up four wins in a trot. Now they have a oppurtunity to make it five in a trot which would really ignite their confidence against the Athletico Madrid match at Camp Nou. Shaktar would not be a easy opponent to play away from home; but still FC Barcelona can be expected to see past this Ukranian challenge with ease. Shaktar lies equalled with Barca in points and it is theright moment for FC Barcelona to move forward ahead of others in the group. FC Barcelona's last match agaisnt Shaktar resulted in a 2-0 loss away from home.

Guardiola has announced a 19 man squad consisting of Valdés, Pinto, Alves, Puyol, Pique, Marquez, Caceres, Abidal, Toure, Busquets, Xavi, Keita, Gudjohnsen, Iniesta, Messi, Pedro, Eto'o, Bojan, Henry. But guessing the starting eleven has become pretty difficult with Guardiola in charge and the only sureity is Victor Valdes. We can expect Marquez, Puyol, Alves and Abidal to start in the defense. Toure and Busquests along with Xavi should make the midfield. Iniesta, Eto and Messi should make up the front three. But there are some rumours of Guardiola resting Messi and Iniesta. I would advice him not to do that as this is a very tough away game. Secondly Messi have started to look getting in to the groove and a rest now might hamper it. A rest to Iniesta would be a good option; may be to Xavi also but without Xavi or Iniesta who will drive the midfield is a big question. Busquests, keita and Toure are all defensive minded players and that leaves Gudjonsen to organise the midfield. So resting Xavi would be out of question.

Shame On You, Laporta

Laporta behaviour at thetime of the flare up during the Espanyol match and after that talking to the press has been really awful. He should be shamed of the way he conducted especially during the match. It was clear from the start of the incident that it was started by some stupid Barcelona fans. The reaction from Espanyol fans could be justified after most of them were scrabmling for safety. Yup, some of them did try to break into the pitch. MudnoDeportivo reports that half a dozen flares were thrown out by Barcelona supporters on to a section crowded by Espanyol supporters. Most of the Espanyol supporters were running for safety and there were utter confusion around the stadium. In the box, Espanyol president and others did well to maintain their calmness during the course of events. But Laporta just went Berserk. No idea as of what promted him for such a action. But his behaviour was appaling. It was really commendable of the members of Espanyol club in the bo, that they did not respond to his accusations. If they had then the situations would have been worse.

After the match Joan Laporta put the entire blame on the Espanyol club authorites. The section of the stadium from where the flares were thrown up were occupied by the infamous "Boix Nois" - the mad boys of catalan. Joan Laporta said that Boix Nois were not allowed to enter to Camp Nou and it was Espanyol's fault to have let them in. But he never felt a sense of regret after all it was the supporters of Barcelona started this. There were reports from Sport.es suggesting that a lady almost suffered a nervous breakdown due to panic. The Espanyol authorities has to side a huge reponsibility of blame as they allowed these fans to bring these flares. But this was not the time for Laporta to play politics. The image of the club has been tarnished and more sensible reaction should have been to pledge support to find and punish those who were reponsible. But Laporta after all may not be a Gentle Man as we all believe.

Barcelona Player rating aginst Espanyol 27/09/08

Valdes - 6 - Had a pretty decent game apart from that blunder which resulted in the goal. He may be right to complain that he was fouled; but should have looked for the safest option rather than being stupid.

Alves - 7 - Was good in parts especially going forward. But has not found that form which made him famous in Sevilla. Is combining well with Messi and could form a partnership like the one between Sylvinho and Ronnie.

Puyol - 7- Was good for most part of the match. But cannot simply wash his hand off in not guarding his goal keeper in an incident which led to first goal.

Pique - 6 - Was solid, made least mistakes but again wasn't sensational in any aspect. Had some decent headers from corners, couldn't convert any of them.

Abidal - 6 - Had a pretty good game compared to his recent matches. Didn't do anything special but also made least mistakes.

Gudjonsen - 5 - Was rewarded with a start after a great last game. Could not make any impression. Was not linked to any of his team mates.

Busquests - 7 - Had a decent game. Again was solid through out the match. But showed a pentant for over reactinga nd acting up in many occasions.

Xavi - 7.5 - Was solid eventhough wasn't spectacular. Did well with the ball which resulted in first goal. Then had a shot hit the cross bar.

Messi - 8 - Had made so many interesting run at defense. Wassn't able to deliver on the final ball. But was a menance constantly.

Henry - 7 - Did well through out the match. Didn't do enough to replace Eto in future matches.

Iniesta - 8 - Did well throughout the match. send some sensational passes and crosses but majority was wasted by his team mates.

Substitutes:

Eto - 7 - Did well after coming on. Was a constant threat with his positioning.

Bojan - 5.5 - Wated the time given to him. Wasn't able to make any impact. Had many shots, none of the were near the goal.

Keita - 6.5 - Didn';t have too much to do. Was avearge throughout.